Help a trucker wannabe out!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by OpenRoadGuy, Jun 2, 2010.

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  1. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    Chris,

    I can't believe you didn't remember to put that splitter down. I reminded you like 12 times. :biggrin_25525:
     
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  3. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    Chris,

    I'm in the process of filling out some applications right now. I expect I'll get some job, but I think we need to consider that plan we discussed. I tried to reach you, but you need to get that phone turned on.
     
  4. chralb

    chralb Road Train Member

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    Hey now...I DID put it down...AFTER I "almost" stalled the truck....:biggrin_2559:

    I've been thinking about that plan Fred. And...ummm...my phone is on but I don't know for how much longer. I managed to pay half the bill yesterday....LOL

    I have limited minutes so after 7pm is best as it's free. Trying to save them for talking to carriers during the day.

    Yep, things are getting tight bro!
     
  5. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    ROFLMAO! I really doubt it, for a couple of reasons. When I retired, most of the guys driving today were not driving. At least not big rigs. Also, I was a deputy sheriff, not highway patrol. That doesn't mean I never made traffic stops or wrote tickets, but it certainly was not a "high priority" for me. Basically, I just stopped the ones that did something so outrageous I could not ignore it. And yes, most of the ones I did stop received a ticket.
     
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  6. chralb

    chralb Road Train Member

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    Hey buddy, I just finished reading the whole thread. A very good, detailed account of our course and what we've been through to get to this point. My hat's off to ya buddy!

    Having spent each day with you out there, reading this was sure a lot of FUN as I recount each day with the improvements you made and concerns you had. You've come a long way (as we all did) from that first day in class huh? LOL

    You and I are very safety conscious and I guess that's why each of us felt comfortable enough to catch a little snooze on the night run while the other was driving....LOL

    I agree with many others here, this is a MUST read thread for newbies like us and a good read even for the experienced. Perhaps some of the old schoolers out there won't be "so convinced" that ALL us new drivers are bad ones....LOL

    Well done!:biggrin_25514:
     
  7. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    Hey Chris,

    Thanks for the compliment man, I appreciate it! I paid you some high compliments in my posts not realizing you would actually read my thread (although I'm not surprised you found it). I know things are tight for you and the application process sucks, but we'll both get through it.
     
  8. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    On a seperate note, this thread sure is getting dramatic.

    Now begins the job application process. I'm sitting at my desk right now filling out job applications. I'm not sure which is worse, pulling out teeth without the benefit of a pain killer, or filling out these job applications. It wouldn't be so bad but I'm writing this stuff out so it can be faxed by the school I attended when I hand them in tomorrow.

    The process is taking so long because I need to track down information. So I needed to get three personal referals so I needed to call some folks and have them agree to say nice things about my driving (even though they know more about my ability to create an Excel spreadsheet then my driving skills). Then I had to find out the address where I had my physical (gee, you'd think they would put that on the freakin physical card. Heck, you'd think they would give you a card, not a piece of paper that could be easily forged).

    Anyway, as I've noted in the past, my driving privelages were suspended due to not paying a surcharge. So just to warn you all in advanced, I doubt I'll be getting into a company like Schneider until I have some experience under my belt. In fact, Schneider won't even higher unless you have 3 months experience according to the recording I get when I contact them. I still want to work for them, but that aint going to happen right off the bat.

    So let me just say this so you all are prepared. I'm going to work for whoever I can so I can get experience. Don't be surprised if I'm *happy* because I got hired by Covenant, for instance, and take the job. Before my career takes off and I work for some incredibly good company hauling over-sized loads of gold to drop off at the U.S. Reserves, I need to eat some humble pie and get hired and get some experience behind my belt.

    I have a 96% average based on the class I completed, so hopefully that will do me some good. Let's see how this plays out!
     
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  9. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Now this is a key right here. EVERYONE needs to have information available at their finger tips when doing job apps. I built myself a "cheat sheet" and carried it in my wallet.

    It had names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, personal references etc. I carried this for years, updating it as I went along. Because you just never know when that right opportunity will knock, and you may have a very brief window there.

    I also kept my resume updated at least on a yearly basis, and carried a copy in my briefcase in the truck.
     
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  10. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    BigDon,

    That's exactly what I've done. I've built a spreadsheet (gee, are you surprised?) with my information so I can print it out and put it at my fingertips. Gathering all of this information and getting all of my ducks in a row has taken me several hours now. I'm pretty much posting between applications so I don't drive myself nuts.

    So here's an update for everybody.

    So having not heard from Schneider, I thought they simply denied my application. It turns out that Schneider is now accepting applications from recent graduates (their message changed when I called). However, they do NOT take faxed applications, all applications must be done online. So having thought I applied to Schneider over 2 weeks ago and was just following up on my application, I found out that wasn't the case. So I literally just filled out an application and sent it now.

    Here are the places I've just applied to so far:

    -Schneider
    -Swift
    -Western Express (they only take phone applications)
    -U.S. Xpress (applied for them on 7/14 but got the ball rolling on the rest of the application process).

    I'm in the process of applying with Star Transportation, Inc., Builders Transportation, Boyd Bros., and Trans Am.

    Believe me, I'm just getting warmed up. If it wasn't for the fact that I need to put in so much information, I'd be through a lot more of these.
     
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  11. thelastamericanhippy

    thelastamericanhippy Road Train Member

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    Why set your standards so low ????

    You are in a fantastic area, are there no local outfits, or LTL, or anything better ??

    I am NOT trying to be rude, I'm just asking !!:biggrin_25523:
     
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